Topic: Wetsuits (Read 17921 times)

young1gun · « **on:** May 19, 2009 »

Can anyone recommend a decent/good value wet suit for Kayaking?

My dad bought a 6.5mm full wetsuit with boots, gloves, balaclava and also a half wetsuit for underneath for £90 out of Lidl. I don’t know the make of it but it seems like a good deal, almost too good

has anyone ever bought wetsuits from Lidl?

Does anyone know what to look for when it comes to wetsuits?

Thanks in advance

Michelle · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2009 »

Hey I have a full wet suit which was got from lidl's - its a good job keeps you good and warm although it is a bit restrictive when is comes to paddling (could be i'm getting to fat for it!). I have no problems with stuff got from lidls -they were doing phone and camera pouches for kayaking just last week £1.99!!

I'm looking for a dry suit next though as I am fed up sitting with a wet bum on a long trip (I spend a fair bit of time swimming still!) so any if any one knows any suppliers for shortie dry suits i would be more than obliged!

RedLeader · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2009 »

I'm looking for a wetsuit myself - can I ask a few Qs about the Lidl.

What price in Lidl
How flexible is it in sizing?
Is it reasonable quality?

Cheers

young1gun · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2009 »

Lidl is the German Supermarket www.lidl.co.uk They do some good deals on random stuff some times. My bad for not saying the supermarket

young1gun · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2009 »

Michelle, can you explain the difference between a wet suit and a dry suit?

I mean if you fall in the water does it let water in?

I know the first question seems stupid lol

Michelle · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2009 »

In theory, a dry suit should keep you dry and warm. There are seals around the cuffs, neck and "built in booties". which should keep the water out. Wetsuits work best when wet- to keep you warm but alas not dry so when you get out of the water or stop paddling for a bit you tend to cool down.

Dry suit - £200 + depending on make etc
Wet suit - Lidl £20 - other retailers ++

I know you can get dry cags and trousers but i dont know how "water tight" they are compared to dry suits.
If you are a "once in a blue moon" paddler wetsuit and a water proof cag to keep he wind off should be grand, I am realising now that i plan to be kayaking a lot more and global warming aint going to hurry up enough to make the north atlantic warm, so when i get enough mullah i'm having a dry suit!

RedLeader · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2009 »

How often to Lidl keep the dry suits and where else would I get a cheapie then? Think I'll maybe try and get one.

Michelle · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2009 »

Jono i have never seen dry suits in lidl's only the wet suits. If you find a source for a cheap dry suit let me know. I know lindseys in Coleraine keep them at about £250 ish but at the minute there is no way i can afford it! Ebay has a few on it but take care when buying as you dont know what state the seals are in around the cuffs etc or if there is any holes/ leakages in it.

Michelle · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2009 »

Forgot about these guys

http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/Drysuits-Surface.html

Mouldsy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2009 »

Have you tried Jackson sport's in Belfast?? I know they do a lot of diving gear, but I am not sure if they do any dry suit's.
Davy.

Damp Colin · « **Reply #10 on:** June 03, 2009 »

I've found a long john wetsuit best for kayaking lest restrictive round the arms and shoulders 3.5 mm the best, i put a 1.5mm wetshirt on underneath to keep the chill out and warm my arms when i capsize (which i seem to do often for some reason) probably cos i'm still crap at it ahhhhh.
Once you have your buoyancy aid on then you should be warm as toast

RedLeader · « **Reply #11 on:** June 04, 2009 »

Quote from: Damp Colin on June 03, 2009

I've found a long john wetsuit best for kayaking lest restrictive round the arms and shoulders 3.5 mm the best, i put a 1.5mm wetshirt on underneath to keep the chill out and warm my arms when i capsize (which i seem to do often for some reason) probably cos i'm still crap at it ahhhhh.
Once you have your buoyancy aid on then you should be warm as toast

What's a wetshirt?

Damp Colin · « **Reply #12 on:** June 04, 2009 »

I call it a wetshirt its basically a top, long sleeve or short which is 1.5 mm thick, lighter than your average wetsuit top which combined with a long john makes paddling less restrictive-doesnt use up as much energy to paddle and keeps the arms warm "if its a long sleeve" and adheres to the first rule of paddling which is of course (Look cool at all times)

Hound of Ulster · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2009 »

Tesco do a range of wetsuits, usually shorties, but hey for £22-00 I suppose you can't complain.

Unfortunately neither Tesco or Lidl do my small frame size

As it is nearing the end of the season for these shops stock can be a bit thin on the ground.

Hound.

kendogbaggio · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2009 »

Lidl have the 3mm mens and womens wetsuits back in again as of last thursday might be lucky to still get one!

David

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Author Topic: Wetsuits (Read 17921 times)

young1gun

Wetsuits

Michelle

Re: Wetsuits

RedLeader

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young1gun

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young1gun

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Michelle

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RedLeader

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Michelle

Re: Wetsuits

Michelle

Re: Wetsuits

Mouldsy

Re: Wetsuits

Damp Colin

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RedLeader

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Damp Colin

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Hound of Ulster

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kendogbaggio

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